Air India has finally received its first legacy Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft after a heavy refresh. This refurbishment includes new features, interior upgrades, and seat enhancements. Let’s explore the new features, routes, and other crucial details of this aircraft.
First Refreshed Air India Boeing 777
On Wednesday, April 3, 2025, Air India received its first legacy Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft after an extensive refresh. The refurbishment process included installing new carpets, seat covers, cushions, and repairing broken seats. Air India has a total of 40 legacy wide-body aircraft, including 13 B777s and 27 B787s. The heavy refresh of this particular aircraft was carried out in Singapore and took 50 days to complete. According to officials, the refreshed aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes for a few days before being used for ultra-long operations.
B777 Routes and Flights
Air India’s B777 aircraft are primarily deployed for ultra-long flights, which last over 14 hours. These routes connect major international destinations, including Toronto, Vancouver (Canada), San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, and New York. Air India’s fleet consists of 198 aircraft, including 13 legacy Boeing 777-300 ERs. Additionally, some of these legacy aircraft feature first-class cabins. The airline has a total of 67 wide-body aircraft, including:
- 19 B777-300 ERs (6 leased from Etihad Airways)
- 8 B777-200 LRs (5 leased from Delta Air Lines)
- 27 legacy B787-8s
- 7 B787-9s
- 6 A350-600s
Upgraded Features
The first aircraft to undergo this multi-million-dollar retrofit program was the Boeing 777-300ER (VT-ALK). This aircraft is 17.5 years old and was inducted into Air India’s fleet in 2007. It will now be powered by one of the most powerful and advanced engines in the world, GE90. The modifications include:
- Installation of new seats
- Replacement of carpets and curtains
- Enhanced cabin ambiance
- Complete exterior repaint featuring Air India’s new livery and branding
Conclusion
Air India’s initiative to upgrade its legacy B777-300 ER aircraft brings significant improvements for passengers. With enhanced comfort and modern features, this aircraft ensures a superior flying experience. The complete refurbishment of all 13 B777 aircraft is expected to be finished by the end of the year, further elevating Air India’s service standards.
